​Nic James, Owner​
​​After graduating from college Nic began to foster his interest in working with wood by leading trail building crews during the summer months. Turnpikes, culverts, retaining walls, bridges and other structures were constructed with hand tools and hard work in the back country of our wilderness areas of the West.

In the summer of ’97 a good friend who was an accomplished carpenter, presented Nic with an opportunity to help build his house in Olympia. Thus began his carpentry apprenticeship. Two and a half years and hundreds of hours later, with many stops in between, the project was complete. The house was inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement and in particular the turn of the century architects Greene and Greene. It remains a wonderful testament to both to Nic that through determination, artistry and hard work, one can truly live within the words “ May the Beauty you love be the beauty you make.”

Nic went on to further his carpentry skills by working for several different contractors and eventually in the Spring of 2001 founded Beech Tree Building Company. After a fruitful year and a half , he was accepted into the College of the Redwoods in California. There they have a renowned “Fine Woodworking Program” established by master woodworker James Krenov. Nic enjoyed a very successful year learning about and building gallery quality, fine furniture. After gaining his certificate he returned to Olympia with new skills and further devotion to high quality custom woodwork.
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​Nic has always had a great love and appreciation for the natural world and doing what we can to preserve and protect the environment. One way he has chosen to support and promote the sustainability of our limited natural resources is through the materials that he uses. This “green building” combined with integrity, quality craftmenship and a high level of professionalism are the standards to which he continually aspires. He has had the great fortune of being able to have coworkers who share the same values. Nic and his small woodworking company (LI profile) look forward to enjoying the success that comes from creativity, hard work and dedication.

In his spare time, Nic enjoys creating memories with his friends and family traveling and going on outdoor adventures.

Adam Rahn, ​Operations Manager
Adam has been in and out of the woodshop since high school. Between semesters in an Industrial Design program at UW-Stout in Wisconsin, he worked under the guidance of lifelong woodworkers and cabinet makers - first by watching, then learning, and lastly giving it a shot himself. In his time at a custom cabinetry shop in Minnesota, Adam found himself progressing from sanding wood trim by hand to measuring and programming entire jobs for the CNC machine. 
 
Eager to see more of the great outdoors, Adam and his wife, Maria, moved west to Olympia. His time as Operations Manager at Beech Tree Woodworks is balanced with trips to the mountains, the ocean, and the Emerald City. He is pleased to be working for an eco-friendly company that values quality over quantity. Adam’s favorite part of the job is seeing completed projects, the payoff from many months of design and planning.

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​Christian Alexis, Project Manager
​Christian is a driven professional who embarked on his career journey after graduating from the University of Vermont in 2013 with a degree in Recreational Management and marketing. His early professional experiences in the ski industry, particularly as a ski patroller and catering weddings, instilled in him a strong work ethic and passion for delivering exceptional service. 
 
During his summers, Christian honed his skills as a carpenter, discovering a deep seated love for building design and quality craftsmanship. Upon relocating to the Pacific Northwest, He focused his efforts on carpentry, refining his expertise in framing and fine finish work. This journey fueled his growing interest in construction design, prompting him to pursue further education in structural drafting. 
 
Christian serves as a dedicated project manager for Beech Tree woodwork, eager to expand his knowledge in cabinetry design and functionality. When not at work you will catch him enjoying the many outdoor activities that Washington provides.  ​

​Melissa Heron, Project Manager
​Melissa joined Beech Tree in January of 2019 after seven years in custom cabinetry and furniture making in Seattle.  She has experience in both designing unique pieces and executing their construction in the shop.  Her most memorable project was creating a switchboard for the "Legends of Smith Tower" exhibit in Seattle's original skyscraper, Smith Tower.

Melissa grew up in Chicago and made her home in the Northwest after moving to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University where she majored in Outdoor Recreation.  After graduation she worked as a bike mechanic until making a career change to woodworking after attending the woodworking program at Seattle Central College Wood Technology Center.

Melissa is excited to be at Beech Tree Woodworks where she's enjoying the team atmosphere, the emphasis on sustainable building, and creating the best product the the best value for our clients. When she is not at work you can find her running trails or on her quest to find the best dance spots in the South Sound.

​Nathan Weiss, Shop Foreman
​Nate fell in love with woodworking in high school wood shop. He's been making cabinets since he was 21 (2000). Before that, he tried his hand at butchering but didn't really care for it.

His father is a close friend of the owner of Creative Cabinets in Santa Rosa, California. They just happen to be looking for someone to help in the shop and Nathan was available. So began his woodworking career. This is where he developed his skills of the trade. He was able to build his own shop where he would create full kitchens, bathrooms, and other custom cabinets from start to finish for family, friends and a few others by referral.

Fifteen years later, he had an opportunity to work with his father in his dairy refrigeration business. He left the cabinet shop, learned a lot about different styles of welding, electrical work, refrigeration, how dairy's function and how stinky cows really are! But after just over a year, he realized how much he missed woodworking. He knew he wanted to be in Washington State after visiting friends the previous year and fell in love with the whole place! He loves to fish, loves being outdoors and really thrive in the cooler weather. His young son is following suit!

​Josh Cramer, Woodworker
Josh comes from a long line of woodworkers-4 generations! He started at just 10 years old constructing a log nightstand from cedars he cut down around his home. He trained under a Japanese temple builder and studied woodworking at Evergreen for several years. With over 25 years of woodworking experience he specializes in furniture using Japanese architectural joinery.

He moved around a lot when he was younger, but stayed put at age 12 in Shelton.  He loves Olympia because it's only an hour away from everything he loves-mountains, beaches, rivers, and cities! He enjoys Beech Tree Woodworks because it's a creative environment where we're always making something different.  He feels encouraged to continue developing his skills and feels appreciated for his ability to problem solve.
Alec Davidson
Woodworker
Nehemiah Suko
​Woodworker
Kevin Pidone
Woodworker
Mat Roberson
Woodworker